Kebbi residents block highway over insecurity as displacement pressure grows
Residents in Kebbi State blocked the Jega–Kontagora highway on Saturday to protest repeated attacks, displacement and worsening insecurity in communities around Jega.
The protest left motorists stranded for hours as residents demanded stronger security protection and government intervention. Some protesters reportedly lit bonfires on the road while police attempted to disperse them. Premium Times Nigeria
The blockade came after a separate road protest on the Kebbi–Sokoto highway on October 9. Following that earlier incident, police warned against further highway blockades and said future organisers could face investigation and prosecution. Punch Newspapers
The two incidents are separate and should not be treated as the same protest.
Families flee affected communities
Residents said repeated attacks had forced some families from surrounding communities to abandon their homes and farms.
Some displaced families reportedly arrived in Jega from nearby areas, including communities in neighbouring Sokoto State.
One resident said about eight trucks carrying displaced people arrived in Jega on Sunday, while some families were sheltering in schools or relying on local assistance.
That account is resident testimony, not an official or independently verified displacement figure. Premium Times Nigeria
Residents of Alelu, Kimba, Jandutsi and Jadadi had earlier appealed for permanent security deployments, humanitarian assistance and measures that would allow affected families to return safely.
Police acknowledge security pressure
Kebbi police have acknowledged continuing security challenges in the affected communities and said officers had responded to distress calls and intensified operations.
The command has also urged residents not to block major highways, arguing that road closures disrupt other road users and can complicate security operations. Premium Times Nigeria
Residents demand protection strong enough to return home
For affected communities, the issue now extends beyond the highway protest.
Residents are asking for permanent security presence, support for displaced families and conditions that allow people to return to their homes and farms safely.
The test is whether intensified security operations and promised deployments reduce attacks enough for displaced families to return home.
